Despite recording strong financial growth in 2025, the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is facing mounting concerns over delayed capital contributions from member states.
At the Bank’s 24th Ordinary Session in Accra, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, revealed that while EBID’s balance sheet expanded significantly to US$2.39 billion and profits rose to US$9.79 million, many countries have failed to honour their financial obligations.
Out of a scheduled US$411.4 million capital contribution due by the end of 2025, only US$102.5 million has been paid, leaving a substantial shortfall of about US$256 million. Only four countries—Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo—have met their commitments.
Dr Forson warned that these delays could undermine the Bank’s ability to finance large-scale development projects across the region, stressing that timely contributions are essential to sustaining growth and impact.
The funding gap comes at a time when EBID is expanding its operations, with project approvals rising sharply and significant investments directed toward infrastructure and industrial development.
EBID President, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, noted that the Bank remains resilient, having mobilised substantial resources and maintained strong operational performance despite global economic challenges.
However, analysts say the Bank’s long-term ambitions—including its 2026–2030 growth strategy focused on private sector expansion and climate-related projects—could be constrained if member states fail to meet their financial commitments.
The development highlights a growing tension between EBID’s expanding role in regional development and the willingness of member states to provide the financial backing needed to sustain that growth.
